Missing Open Enrollment Deadlines

If an employee misses the open enrollment deadline, it’s likely they won’t be able to make changes to their healthcare coverage until the next open enrollment period. This means they will remain with their current plan until the next year, regardless of any changes in their healthcare needs or priorities. 

Special Enrollment Periods: Exceptions to open enrollment 

Under specific circumstances, however, there are certain exceptions that allow individuals to make changes to their health insurance plans outside the designated open enrollment period. 

These exceptions typically involve major life events such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married or divorced, and having a baby or adopting a child. When an employee experiences such an event, they have a specified amount of time (usually a minimum of 30 days and up to 60 days) during a ‘special’ enrollment period to add or remove coverage from their plan. 

While an employer may offer special enrollment periods for employees who experience a qualifying life event, it’s important for employers to communicate this to their employees in advance to avoid any confusion or frustration. Make sure to clearly outline the open enrollment period and deadline, and provide multiple reminders. 

Alternative Options to Open or Special Enrollment Periods 

If an employee is unable to make changes through a special enrollment period, alternative options may be available. For example, as the employer, you may consider offering a short-term health insurance plan for interim coverage, or the employee may consider enrolling in an individual plan or a plan through a spouse or family member. 

While short-term plans may not offer the same comprehensive coverage as a traditional health insurance plan, they can provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses.